Timeform Irish SmartPlays: Bank on Bramante for second course success

Tipping / Timeform / 27 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

It's Friday, so Irish racing comes from Dundalk this evening.

"He (Bramante) was heavily backed prior to his first start over a mile and a half at the track last Friday and shaped as if he would still be of interest from his current ITC mark when dropped back in trip."

Three selections from Timeform's Irish team for Dundalk this evening......

Bramante (19:50) has been in good form since returning in December and looked one to keep onside when beating Horsewithnoname earlier in the month over course and distance. He was heavily backed prior to his first start over a mile and a half at the track last Friday and shaped as if he would still be of interest from his current ITC mark when dropped back in trip, travelling powerfully for a long way. Charles O'Brien looks to have found him a very winnable handicap and he looks a good bet at current odds.

Elusive Express (20:20) has been knocking on the door in handicaps so far this year, looking a shade unfortunate not to shed her maiden tag when beaten half a length by Cool Athlete a week ago, losing momentum at a vital stage and finishing really strongly. Tonight's handicap doesn't look any stronger and, with a bit more luck in running, she should finally get a deserved first win.

Mark Johnston has sent over several runners for this evening's meeting and the pick of them looks to be Oceanway in the 20:50. A winner on polytrack as a two-year-old, she looks favourably treated in the minor event, and fitness shouldn't be a concern given her yard. Flavia Tatiana looks the biggest threat, but she still has a bit to find with Oceanway if the latter is in the same kind of form when winning a competitive handicap at York last year.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Bramante in the 19:50
Back Elusive Express in the 20:20
Back Oceanway in the 20:50

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Timeform's Horses to Follow Extra Festival Trials edition is out now and features no less than five big-race previews and an interview with Nigel Twiston-Davies.